On the morning of May 25, the vibrant atmosphere of the Lanzhou Marathon drew tens of thousands of participants along the picturesque route beside the Yellow River in Gansu Province, northwest China. This annual event showcased not only athletic prowess but also the charm of the local landscape.

Among the avid runners was Qiang Zhongwei, a dedicated marathon enthusiast from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Having arrived in Lanzhou the day before the race, Qiang embraced the opportunity to explore the local scenery and culture, marking his third consecutive year participating in this celebrated marathon.

Qiang, along with over 20 members of his elite running team, took the time to immerse themselves in Lanzhou's offerings before the race. The participants indulged in local delicacies and explored the riverside as they prepared for the marathon, blending their passion for running with a taste of regional tourism.

Over the years, Qiang's familiarity with Lanzhou's unique culinary delights has grown, from indulging in hearty beef noodles to savoring lamb dishes. His visits to significant landmarks, such as the Yellow River Tower and Zhongshan Bridge, have enriched his appreciation of the city, showcasing how marathons can create a fusion of sport and tourism.

The marathon course incorporated the Yellow River Scenic Line, weaving through numerous historical sites of Lanzhou. Qiang remarked on the inspiring nature of running alongside these landmarks, likening the experience to navigating through a historical and cultural narrative.

This year's event drew a record-breaking 310,000 applicants, underscoring its popularity and significance in the realm of sports tourism. Li Qiang, an assistant researcher at the China Tourism Academy, noted that the marathon's strategic design serves as an effective 'moving billboard' for promoting local tourism.

Li further emphasized the symbiotic relationship between sports events and tourism, stating, 'This shows how sport events empower tourism and tourism nurtures events in turn.' The Lanzhou Marathon exemplifies this dynamic by attracting visitors who may otherwise not experience the city.

In recent years, Lanzhou has capitalized on these events, witnessing an upsurge in inbound tourism bolstered by activities such as marathons and cultural performances. During the recent five-day Labor Day holiday, the city welcomed 6.6954 million tourists, a significant increase of 12.52 percent compared to the previous year.

With a tourism expenditure of 4.363 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately 608 million U.S. dollars, representing a year-on-year growth of 14.77 percent, it is evident that local events have a profound economic impact. Li Qiang indicated that by developing a robust sports event industry chain, Lanzhou can further enhance the integration of sports and tourism.